24 June 2022 (FIFA)

Doha, 23 June 2022

Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport, State of Qatar has said that Transportation Master Plan  (TMPQ) for Qatar 2050 is expected to have significant economic returns of around QR 300 bn while bringing down the fuel consumption and carbon emission, and enhancing traffic safety and security.

Talking to media on the sidelines of launching ceremony held recently at the Hotel Royal Le Meridian, Al Sulaiti said that TMPQ features developing the transportation networks nationwide in a way that ensures their integration with land uses, urban development, population growth and meeting the future demand for transportation.

Transport Minister said that it could result in saving of around QR 300 bn through multiple factors ranging from ensuring safety and easing traffic movements to environmental protection. The plan will have significant economic returns thanks to increased revenues and the benefits of saving vehicle-operating costs, saving energy and fuel consumption, reducing trip time, and lowering carbon emissions and road accidents,'.

Present on the occasion were Minister of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani; Dr. Saad bin Ahmed Al-Mohannadi, Ashghal President;  Brig. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Shahwani, Director General, General Directorate of Traffic; Shahid Khan, Country Manager CDM Smith; Michele de Beaumount, General Manager, Italconsult SpA; Abdul-Rahman Hamad, General Manager TrafficConsult; senior officials from various ministries and experts.

Hamad Essa Abdulla,  Under-Secretary, Ministry of Transport said that the current and future transportation challenges and developed an integrated and sustainable transport system that supports the economy and better quality of life while preserving national identity.

He said that TMPQ 2050 proposed 286 new schemes covering highways (86 schemes), public transportation (54 schemes), freight (22 schemes), pedestrians (21 schemes), cycling (29 schemes) and cross-modal integration (74 schemes). New initiatives of 770 km of roads and 540 km of public transportation network are also recommended by TMPQ. This futuristic and technologically advanced plan were visioned to reduce the traffic accidents and dependency on fossil fuel. It also formulated a clear path for successful implementation through stakeholders’ engagement and institutional capacity building.

Talking to  asiantelegraphqatar.com, Shahid Khan, Country Manager CDM Smith praised the initiatives made by the Ministry of Transport, Qatar.

The Land Transport Planning Department, headed by the Director Mr. Saleh Saeed Al-Marri led this initiative. The TMPQ was constituted of several programs like Qatar Parking Master Plan; Qatar Trip Generation; and Parking Rates Manual and Strategic Transportation Model.

Several internationally reputed engineering consultancies, CDM Smith, Crown Consult, Italconsult SpA. WorleyParsons and Jacobs were engaged by MOT to develop the TMPQ.

The Qatar Parking Master Plan, a major contributing program of TMPQ proposed the comprehensive framework to sustainably transform the future of parking in the State of Qatar. It covered parking policies, strategies, new developments, manuals, guidelines, and mobile application for the new parking regime.

Doha, 22 June 2022

Doha, 22 June 2022

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22) – the operational arm of FIFA and the host country for the delivery of the tournament, has achieved ISO 20121 certification, the international standard that sets requirements for developing and implementing an effective management system to deliver a sustainable event.

The certification was granted recently after an extensive audit process that was initiated during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which was held exactly a year before the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

Nasser Al Khater, CEO, Q22, said: “Sustainability has been at the heart of Qatar 2022 from the start, and the independent recognition of the delivery of best practices reflects our enduring commitment to it. Among the many legacies of this tournament, sustainability is a critical element of planning and preparation that teams across Q22, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and FIFA have been focused on, and I hope future tournament organisers will look to us as a model for hosting a mega-event.”

José Retana, Sustainability Senior Manager, Q22, said: “We are proud to become the first FIFA World Cup in history to obtain the ISO 20121 certification. This demonstrates that according to the evaluation by a third-party accredited entity, world-class management practices are being implemented to deliver an inclusive, green and legacy-oriented event.

Only by embedding sustainability across all our operations, can we deliver a truly successful event that leaves a long-lasting, positive impact on fans, players, workforce, local communities and partners. That’s what robust sustainability management does. This certification is testimony to the sustainability efforts of everyone in our organisation,” he added.

SGS carried out the extensive audit process. It is a world-leading testing, inspection and certification company that has a wealth of experience in certifying mega-sport event organisers against ISO 20121 requirements, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the French Open tennis tournament.

The sustainability management system is a specific management mechanism and approach through which the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ formulates sustainability policies, implements sustainability measures, achieves sustainability objectives and incorporates sustainability into the whole lifecycle of the tournament.

The ISO 20121 achievement has allowed organisers to successfully deliver the target assigned to address the topic of transparency and accountability, which was identified as an important issue during the development of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Doha, 21 June 2022

FLIGHTS between Lahore and Doha will resume before Eid Al Adha to meet the demands of Pakistani expatriates in Qatar, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Amir Hayat, has said.

Currently, Pakistan International Airlines has five flights between Pakistan and Qatar -- three between Islamabad and Doha, and two between Peshawar and Doha.

Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha on Monday, Hayat praised the quality and conference organisational skills of Qatar Airways.

Speaking about the challenges being faced by aviation industry, he said the sector was probably the worst hit during COVID-19 pandemic, which created the biggest ever challenge for aviation in its 120 years’ history. “It is only recently we have started seeing signs of recovery with some markets getting to normalisation fairly quickly compared to others. However, many countries are still contemplating the travel restrictions to best save their populations from the pandemic,” he said.

Giving an example, he said that China is perhaps one of the biggest markets in the world that is still totally closed to the outside world. “We are looking at normalcy from Gulf and Middle East as eastern markets, particularly China, are still very much restrictive. We still expect that we would achieve 75 percent of
the 2019 levels by the end of this year or first quarter next year,” he added.

Hayat said that despite fiscal challenges, Pakistan government is very supportive and much eager to achieve normalcy while adapting some of the protective measures for some more time.

“In fact, our Federal Minister for Aviation is extending all possible patronage for revival of national flag carrier and other domestic airlines and has made it a point of priority to create favourable environment and regulations for that matter,” Hayat said.

“PIA is engaging all stakeholders, including lessors and Customer Service Providers to ensure financial liabilities are met with mutual agreement. Though, it will be very challenging as fiscal situation of the airlines, including PIA, are not idealistic as we are still in the phase of recovery and not yet there, the liabilities are all
of the normal times.

However, we are glad some of the lessors and business partners are apprehensive of the situation are very conducive, providing much needed life line,” he
added. “Passenger satisfaction is very central to the new found approach and we intend to meet it comprehensive feedback mechanism, schedule reliability, network integrity, on time performance and good food service.”

Talking about his future plan, he said, “Our next target would be product improvement through the induction of route builder mid-tier aircraft which will start becoming part of our fleet later this year and next year. Newer planes would not only increase the product perception and experience, but would also bring reliability.”

Doha, 20 June 2022

78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and World Air Transport Summit took off Monday morning at the Hotel Sheraton Grand, Doha, Qatar.

Present on the occasion were Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, State of Qatar;  Jassim bin Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport; Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, Dr. Hanan Mohamed AlKuwari, Minister of Public Health; Willie Walsh, President IATA; Mehmet Tevfik Nane, CEO, Pegasus Airlines (Turkya);

, delivered a speech to delegates where he described the aviation industry as one that “unites the whole world by providing safe, secure, efficient, sustainable and accessible transportation.” He continued to say: “this meeting is an exceptional opportunity to discuss the current situation and future challenges, particularly the focus on the sustainability agenda and how aviation moves forward with its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

Thanking His Highness for extending his support of patronage,  His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said; “It is an absolute privilege to be hosting our industry partners in Qatar Airways’ home city, particularly during our milestone 25^th year of operations. It is a particular honour to receive His Highness’s patronage, which shows just how proud the State of Qatar is to hold this event. Coming together face-to-face with our aviation colleagues from across the world, provides us with the opportunity to discuss global issues affecting us all today, and to plan the best way forward for the industry.”

Qatar Airways is hosting more than a thousand delegates and dignitaries, as well as figures from the international sports and entertainment worlds during the event, which has received a record number of registrations. The AGM is an opportunity for key players within IATA’s 290 member-airlines to meet face-to-face and discuss topics affecting global carriers and future industry plans.

The event is being hosted by Qatar Airways for only the second time; it last came to Doha in 2014. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker is a member of the IATA Board of Governors, as well as Chairman of the oneworld alliance, which is also meeting in the city.

Topics to be discussed during will include lessons learnt from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry’s pathway towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050; touching on environmental and sustainability challenges such as carbon offset programmes, reduction of single use plastics across the industry and the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Doha  16 June 2022

Doha, 16 June 2022

Qatar Airways Group celebrates its milestone 25^th Anniversary year of operation with its strongest financial performance reflected in its published annual report for 2021/22, 200 per cent above its highest annual historical profit.

Qatar Airways Group reported a record net profit of QAR 5.6 billion (US$ 1.54 billion) during the fiscal year 2021/22. Overall revenue increased to QAR 52.3 billion (US$ 14.4 billion), up 78 per cent compared to last year and a remarkable two per cent higher than the full financial year pre-COVID (i.e., 2019/20).

Passenger revenue increased by 210 per cent over the last year, due to the growth of the Qatar Airways network, increase in market share and higher unit revenue, for the second financial year in a row. Qatar Airways carried 18.5 million passengers, an increase of 218 per cent over last year.

Qatar Airways Cargo remained the leading player in the world as its revenue experienced an impressive growth of 25 per cent over last year with the growth in cargo capacity (Available Tonne Kilometres) of 25 per cent annually.

The Group generated strong EBITDA Margin of 34 per cent at QAR 17.7 billion (US$ 4.9 billion). EBITDA was higher than the previous year by QAR 11.8 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) due to streamlined, agile and fit-for-purpose operations across all business areas. These record earnings are the result of decisions made during the pandemic to expand the Qatar Airways’ passenger and cargo networks, with a more accurate forecast of the global market recovery, building further customer and trade loyalty and product excellence combined with strong cost control.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the national carrier of the State of Qatar grew to more than 140 destinations in 2021/22, opening new routes including Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Lusaka, Zambia; Harare, Zimbabwe; Almaty, Kazakhstan and Kano and Port Harcourt, Nigeria in addition to resuming flights to key markets across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The company has operated continuously the largest network among all Middle Eastern airlines, as measured by number or destinations as well as weekly flights.

Saad Bin Sharida Al-Kaabi, Minister of state for Energy and Qatar Airways Group Chairman, , said: “Qatar Airways Group has demonstrated a robust role in the aviation industry, and these financial results are a clear indication of the Group’s strong performance. Against challenges during the previous period, I am delighted by the achievements that have been accomplished this year and by the way the Group has swiftly responded to these challenges.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “This year Qatar Airways Group celebrates a quarter of a century of history since its relaunch, whilst maintaining strong performance and growing profitability. Our commitment to providing the greatest choices to our passengers, maintaining the highest levels of safety in the industry and earning trust have made us proudly become the airline of choice for millions of travellers around the world. We have pursued every business opportunity and left no stone unturned as we aimed to meet our targets.”

“In 2021, we grew significantly to become the world’s largest global long-haul carrier in 2021 by RPKs. We also received the industry’s most prestigious accolade ‘Airline of the Year’ for a record-breaking sixth time in the Skytrax World Airline Awards in addition to recognition for the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport as ‘Best Airport in the World’ 2021. The Qatar Airways Cargo division also earned three major industry awards including Cargo Operator of the Year at the ATW Airline Awards; Cargo Airline of the Year, and Air Cargo Industry Achievement Award at Air Cargo Week’s World Air Cargo Awards. These achievements not only highlight our exceptional brand reputation but also our outstanding hard work across the Qatar Airways Group family.”

“I am extremely proud of the decisions we have made to embrace efficiency and achieve strong cost control across several operational departments whilst engaging in environmental and sustainable initiatives. This has positioned us at the forefront in the field of sustainability, including environmental protection and social commitment. Our strategic investments in a varied fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft has helped us overcome the significant challenges related to capacity constraints while balancing commercial needs as swiftly as possible.”

Throughout this year, the Qatar Airways Group maintained a highly-successful and wealthy portfolio of regional and global partnerships to champion the brand across the world including global sporting clubs – Al Sadd SC, Boca Juniors, Brooklyn Nets, FC Bayern München, and Paris Saint-Germain, the partnership with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and FIFA. The group also continued to showcase its unwavering commitment to giving back and supporting communities and charitable initiatives throughout 2021/22. Alongside this, Qatar Airways Group is constantly setting new milestones on environmental sustainability for the aviation industry, and recently released its Sustainability Report 2021 to highlight key initiatives and the Group’s commitment towards the environment and sustainability.

Against the backdrop of the pandemic disruption, Qatar Airways Cargo transported more than 3 million tonnes of air freight and securing eight per cent share in the global market. Cargo also transported more than 600 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines over the course of the pandemic to date and also concentrated its efforts in enhancing its renowned Pharma product and industry presence, while also ensuring commitment to its ground-breaking WeQare initiative, which consists of a series of positive and impactful actions in the form of chapters based on the core pillars of sustainability - environment, society, economy and culture.

As the world continues its recovery from the devastating impact of COVID-19, Qatar Airways remains committed to keeping passengers and cargo moving across the globe, maintaining and building on the exceptional standards of our first 25 years of operation, that has earnt us the accolade of being the Best Airline in the World.

Doha, 16 June 2022

Qatar National Bank (QNB) has announced launching of Open Banking platform for a wider audience including the Bank’s customers, partners and emerging FinTechs in Qatar.

QNB is the first bank in Qatar and one of the first in the region for launching Open Banking services.  With this enhanced API infrastructure, the bank will provide a unique banking experience to its customers allowing them to access its core banking systems securely.

Adel Al-Malki General Manager QNB Group Retail Banking, stated 'QNB have been exploring the space of Open Banking since much earlier; our partnership with Ooredoo on the Ooredoo Money is a classic example for both open banking and FinTech partnership in providing financial services for the masses'.

‘'We implemented this almost 10 years ago and it has now become a case study where wallets operated by a telecom has access to multiple banking facilities like virtual IBAN, Virtual MasterCard, Payroll Solution, Local  and International Remittances and other services. It is  important to note that these products offered by QNB and Ooredoo are first of their kind in the region, and at times in the world', he added.

Open Banking aims to integrate the bank’s core financial services with its partners in a secure manner, to share customer data and facilitate payments between organizations. The changing consumer demand, fueled by lifestyle habits of generation Z require organizations to provide seamless customer experience in each interaction.

FinTechs, IOT companies and other third party providers are looking at unified integration with banks for data sharing and payment processing.  Enabling these Open Banking APIs would transform the FinTech landscape in Qatar and help launching innovative futuristic solutions for nationals, residents and visitors to the country.

Khalid Ahmed Al-Sada General Manager Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said,' We are actively exploring potential regional and global partnerships with the advocates of Open Banking solutions. Beyond regulatory compliance, our goal is to enrich our corporate bank e-channels with Beyond Banking Value-Added services.  We strongly believe that with the arrival of Open Banking a new digital collaborative financial ecosystem started to emerge globally, where banks together with their new partners can unlock further synergies and drive innovation faster. The ultimate goal of Open Banking is to increase efficiency, enrich functionality and put user experience to the next level'.

Mrs. Maryam Mohd Al Kuwari, General Manager, QNB Group Information Technology added, “We are very excited with the possibilities that will open up for our customers and partners as we add Open Banking to our existing technology eco-system.  We aim to leverage our banking expertise and industry-standard technology to integrate with emerging FinTechs; thus providing highly innovative and focused solutions across multiple domains. We hope to introduce hyper personalized experiences for our Retail and Corporate customers as we continue to adhere to our track record of implementing pioneering solutions”.

From a customer perspective, Open Banking can deliver real, meaningful value to a bank’s customers and partners. From offering customers the flexibility to use their bank accounts for payments without relying on credit/debit cards to facilitating access to a single financial portal for all their banking needs across different financial institutions, investment and insurance companies, and provident and pension funds. With customer consent, financial data can be shared securely with third parties, thus leading the way for better customer insights and tailored financial instruments.

Adel Al-Malki further commented, 'The success of future banks relies on its use of data and technology; banks blending these two elements to provide lifestyle benefits at competitive offering will lead the industry'.

Proud to be the Official Middle East and Africa Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2022, QNB Group extends through its subsidiaries and associate companies to more than 31 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services.

QNB has 27,000 employees operating through 1,000 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,600 machines.

Doha, !2 June 2022

Moldova is interested in forging much closer relations with State of Qatar, Prime Minister of Republic of Moldova Natalia Gavrilita, told Ashraf Siddiqui, in an interview during her official visit to the country.

During the visit, she met Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Qatar Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani; Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al Kaabi and officials of Qatar Chamber of Commerce.

The Prime Minister of Moldova said that she was honoured to be invited by Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz AlThani at a time when bilateral ties have completed 25 years.

She said that the two sides had detailed discussions on the regional situation and serious humanitarian challenges. The possibility of Qatar Foundation to provide assistance for meeting the education and health expenses of displaced children was among the humanitarian issues discussed.

Discussions were also held on the energy challenges faced by Moldova and about its efforts to improve energy security, she said. In this regard, the two sides are now looking to build some strategic reserves. They are also looking to find alternative long term solutions, including renewable energy sources.

Gavilita said that ways to improve bilateral trade were also discussed. Moldova exports fruits and other agro-products and imports fertilisers for its agricultural needs. Energy, fertiliser were identified among the possible areas of cooperation.

Pointing out that food security is a serious challenge world-wide, including for agricultural goods producers like Moldova, she said that her country can gain from Qatar’s experience in food security measures. She specifically mentioned investments in agri-business including efficient and technology driven high-productivity agricultural practices.

On Qatari investment in Moldova, she said that the possibility of private sector investments and more active economic ties were discussed. “I think things will depend mainly on ending of the war which will also reduce uncertainties”, she pointed out.

She however, affirmed that irrespective of the situation, Moldova was looking forward to enhanced bilateral economic cooperation with Qatar.

Expressing her happiness with the progress at the meeting with officials of the Qatari Chamber of Commerce where ways to attract investment and tourists were discussed, the Moldova Prime Minister said that further discussions will continue between government and trade and commerce body representatives of the two sides.

She pointed out that during her short visit, two agreements were signed -- one on visa facilitation, and the other on cooperation in agriculture sector. Some other the agreements are in the last stages of negotiations, she added. “We talked about ways to ensure a proper agreements framework to accelerate our cooperation,” she added. She also talked about the situation in her country.

“The situation in Moldova is difficult as we are the most affected country after Ukraine by this unjust and terrible war. Our logistical chain and trade have been disrupted. We are facing serious security concerns. Inflation has reached 29 percent and is affecting political stability and social cohesion. We have also seen an increase in cyber-attacks. Then there are hybrid threats, disinformation and interference in the local political process. We have to build resilience very quickly, given the challenge in the region,” she said.

Moldova currently is under an emergency situation. The Emergency Committee has taken a number of steps to prevent spread of hate speech and disinformation especially in terms of war, and the parliament is currently firming this up into more permanent legislation to fight disinformation.

She said that President Maia Sandu, herself and her colleagues in parliament are together doing everything possible to mitigate the economic consequences of war. However they are also trying not to forget to locate long term opportunities for the country, be it trying for[wpstatistics stat=usersonline] the membership of EU or expanding relations with other countries like as of State of Qatar.